Star tulip

Star Tulip (also known as Calochortus albus) is a species of flowering plant in the Liliaceae. It is native to California, where it is known from various types of habitat. This is a perennial herb growing a slender, branching stem up to 40 centimeters tall.

Description

The leaves are up to 20 centimeters long and are generally withered by the time the plant blooms. The inflorescence bears 1 to 6 erect, bell-shaped flowers. Each flower has three sepals and three petals all up to 2.5 centimeters long. The petals are white to light pink with a central spot or streak of yellow and purple or red veining. The fruit is a winged capsule 3 or 4 centimeters long.

Habitat and Distribution

Star Tulip is found in a variety of habitats, including Chaparral, oak woodlands, and yellow pine forests. It is native to California, but can also be found in parts of Oregon and Nevada.

Cultivation

Star Tulip is not commonly cultivated, but it can be grown in a garden setting. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. The bulbs should be planted in the fall, and the plants will bloom in the spring.

Conservation Status

The Star Tulip is not currently listed as threatened or endangered. However, like many native plants, it is susceptible to habitat loss due to development and invasive species.

See Also

• List of Calochortus species
• Flora of California

References

• Jepson Manual (1993). University of California Press.
• Flora of North America (2003). Oxford University Press.